Tangential fluid discharge for appliance washing machine

ABSTRACT

A tub for a washing machine appliance is configured to create a tangential discharge of fluid from the tub. A sump portion is configured so that fluid is ejected from a main portion of the wash tub along a direction tangential to the circular direction of rotation of the wash basket. A drain outlet is connected to the sump portion and can be positioned with an opening aligned with the tangential discharge so as to facilitate the movement of fluid into the drain outlet.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter of the present disclosure relates generally to an appliance washing machine having a tub equipped for fluid discharge along a direction tangential to the rotation of the wash basket.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Washing machine appliances commonly include a tub where articles to be washed are combined with a fluid such as e.g., water and additives like detergents, fabric softener, etc. as part of the washing process. A wash basket provides agitation to move the articles back and forth and promote cleaning. At various stages of the washing process, fluid is drained from the wash tub. For example, wash fluid may be drained and replaced with another fluid for rinsing. Fluid may be drained during a spin cycle when the articles are wrung in order to remove the fluid therefrom by rotating the wash basket at relatively high speed.

Conventionally, the tub of a washing machine appliance is provided with a drain outlet located at a bottom-most portion of the tub along its vertical centerline. Such drain outlet can be radially-oriented relative to the circular tub and gravity feeds into the outlet and e.g., into a hose for removal of fluid from the wash tub. A pump may be used to help remove the fluid.

Such vertically-centered drain outlet constructions can create certain problems in the design and construction of a washing machine appliance. While necessary for a gravity feed of fluid, a vertically-centered drain outlet also consumes a significant amount of valuable space within the cabinet that is needed for other features. For example, certain consumers may desire a washing machine having a large capacity tub and/or other features such as automatic detergent or fabric softener dispensers. These and other features require use of the already limited space available in the appliance cabinet, which must typically be maintained within certain overall dimensional standards.

Relocating and/or reorienting a drain outlet for the tub also has certain challenges. As stated, the vertically-centered outlet helps provide a flow of fluid under the effect of gravity from the bottom of the tub. This gravity flow is then typically fed to a pump. Frequently, such pumps are not able to draw a suction on the drain outlet and, therefore, may require the gravity feed provided locating the drain outlet at the bottom of the tub. Additionally, placement of an outlet at the bottom-most portion of the tub is necessary in order to empty the fluid in the tub by gravity feed alone.

Accordingly, a washing machine appliance having a tub and drain outlet configuration that can provide additional space for other appliance features would be useful. Such a tub and drain outlet configuration that can also facilitate removal of fluid from the tub using a pump that generates minimal or no inlet suction would also be very useful. Such a tub and drain outlet configuration that also facilitates emptying fluid from the bottom of the tub would also be beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a tub for a washing machine appliance that is configured to create a tangential discharge of fluid from the tub. A sump portion is configured so that fluid is ejected from a main portion of the wash tub along a direction tangential to the circular direction of rotation of the wash basket. A drain outlet is connected to the sump portion and can be positioned with an opening aligned with the tangential discharge so as to facilitate the movement of fluid into the drain outlet through use of pumping action from rotation of wash basket. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a washing machine appliance. The appliance includes a cylindrically-shaped wash basket configured for the receipt of articles for cleaning, the wash basket having an outer surface. A wash tub is provided that includes a cylindrically-shaped main portion into which the wash basket is rotatably received. A sump portion is positioned adjacent to the cylindrically-shaped main portion and is in fluid communication with the main portion through an opening to the sump portion. The opening is positioned between the sump portion and the main portion. The sump portion is located near a bottom of the main portion and defines a chamber for the receipt of fluid from the main portion through the opening. The sump portion has an outlet facing into the direction of rotation of the drum along a line tangent to the outer surface of the wash basket.

In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a washing machine appliance defining vertical, lateral, and transverse directions that are orthogonal to each other. The washing machine appliance includes a wash basket configured for rotational movement, the wash basket comprising a cylindrically-shaped drum having an outer surface, the drum configured for the receipt of articles for cleaning. A wash tub is provided into which the wash basket is rotatably received. The wash tub defines an outer cylindrically-shaped wall having an opening for the egress of fluid from the wash tub. A sump is positioned at the opening of the wash tub. The sump defines a chamber for the receipt of fluid from the wash tub. The sump has an outlet for the egress of fluid from the sump. The outlet faces the wash basket and is positioned along a tangent to the outer surface of the wash basket.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the following appended figures.

FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a washing machine appliance of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the exemplary appliance of FIG. 1 with a portion of the cabinet removed to more clearly reveal certain components.

FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 are partial front views of the exemplary appliance of FIG. 1 with a portion of the cabinet removed to more clearly reveal certain components. In FIG. 3, a front plate of the sump portion covers a chamber while in FIGS. 4 and 5 this front plate (or front tub) is removed to reveal the interior of the chamber. In FIG. 5, the view is at a slight angle from the front to e.g., more clearly reveal the dam located inside the chamber of the sump portion and the fluid outlet from the sump portion.

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a portion of the appliance of FIG. 1, with the cabinet removed front tub removed as well as other sub-washer components removed to more clearly reveal certain interior components.

FIG. 7 is another partial perspective view of a portion of the appliance of FIG. 1 with the cabinet removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary washing machine appliance 100 while FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the same with a portion of the cabinet removed. Appliance 100 defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T—all of which are orthogonal to each other. FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 provide partial front views of appliance 100 with a portion of the cabinet removed and front tub of subwasher removed.

As shown, appliance 100 includes a cabinet 104 containing a wash basket 102 and a wash tub 106. Wash basket 102 is rotatably mounted within wash tub 106. A motor 105 is connected with wash basket 102 and is configured to agitate, spin, and/or otherwise cause wash basket 102 to rotate about axis of rotation A-A. As shown, axis of rotation A-A is at a non-zero, acute angle a from transverse direction T such that axis of rotation A-A is slightly offset from the horizontal or transverse direction T. As such, FIG. 1 illustrates what is sometimes referred to as a horizontal axis washing machine. Using the teachings disclosed herein, however, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that washing machine 100 is provided by way of example only. Other configurations for washing machine 100 may be used as well—including e.g., vertical axis washing machines as well as washing machines for which angle a is at a zero, positive, or negative value.

Ribs or sweeps 112 (FIG. 4) rotate with wash basket 102 to lift and then drop articles being washed as basket 102 rotates. Wash basket 102 includes a plurality of apertures 110 (FIG. 6) through which fluid may pass in and out of wash basket 102 during the cleaning process. For example, during a spin cycle, wash basket 102 is rotated at high speed causing fluid to be wrung from articles in basket 102, which is captured by wash tub 106 for further disposition as will be further described below.

In this exemplary embodiment, wash tub 106 is constructed from a front part 114 and rear part 116 that are attached together at interface 130 by a plurality of fasteners 118 as shown in FIG. 2. A gasket 174 (FIG. 4) provides a fluid tight seal so that wash tub 106 can retain fluids during use. Other constructions for providing a wash tub capable of containing a fluid during the cleaning process may be used as well.

A door 120 is rotatably attached to cabinet 104 and includes a window 122 through which a user may view articles being washed in a wash chamber 108 (FIGS. 3 and 6) defined by wash basket 102. Door 120 can also be used to access wash chamber 108 so as to add or remove articles. A handle (not shown) may be provided with door 120 to facilitate opening and closing. Door 172 provides for access to a filter as will be further described below.

A user interface panel 124 has a plurality of selectors 126 whereby a user may operate appliance 100 and make various selections regarding the mode of operation. A display 128 provides information to the user regarding operation of appliance 100 and can be used to indicate e.g., selected features, a countdown timer, and/or other items of interest to appliance users.

Operation of washing machine appliance 100 is controlled by a controller or processing device (not shown) that is operatively coupled to user interface panel 124 for user manipulation and selection of washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of panel 124, the controller operates the various components of washing machine appliance 100 to execute selected machine cycles and features.

In an illustrative embodiment, laundry items are loaded into wash chamber 108 through opened door 120, and washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors 126. Wash basket 102 is filled with water and detergent and/or other fluid additives from e.g., a dispenser (not shown) to form wash and rinse fluids. One or more valves (not shown) can be controlled by washing machine appliance 100 to provide for filling wash basket 102 to the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed and/or rinsed. By way of example, for a wash mode, once wash basket 102 is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash chamber 102 can be agitated (e.g., with ribs 112 as discussed previously) for washing of laundry items in wash basket 102.

After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, wash basket 102 can be drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding fluid to wash tub 106 depending on the particulars of the cleaning cycle selected by a user. The basket 102 may again provide agitation within wash chamber 108. One or more spin cycles may also be used. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle and/or after the rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a spin cycle, wash basket 102 is rotated at relatively high speeds. A balance ring 152 (FIG. 3) helps maintain the stability of wash basket 102 while spinning. After articles disposed in wash basket 102 are cleaned and/or washed, the user can remove the articles from wash basket 102 e.g., by reaching into wash chamber 108 through opened door 120.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, wash tub 106 includes a cylindrically-shaped main portion 132 and a sump portion (or sump) 134. Wash basket 102 is rotatably received into cylindrically-shaped main portion 132. For this exemplary embodiment, main portion 132 and sump portion 134 are integrally formed by e.g., a molded plastic. However, other constructions may also be used. As best seen in FIG. 3, front part 114 of wash tub 106 includes a front plate 146 that forms a chamber 144 (FIGS. 4 and 5) for sump portion 134 when front part 114 and rear part 116 are joined.

Sump portion 134 is positioned adjacent to main portion 132 and is in fluid communication with main portion 132 through opening 136 (FIG. 4). Opening 136 is positioned between main portion 132 and sump portion 134 and is formed between a distal end 154 of dam 138 and the outer wall 140 of wash basket 102. Sump portion 134 is located near the bottom 142 of main portion 132 of wash tub 106. Accordingly, a gravity effect combined with a pumping action from rotation of wash basket 102 causes fluid in wash tub 106 to collect at or near bottom 142 where the fluid can readily pass through opening 136 for receipt by chamber 144 of sump portion 134.

Sump portion 134 also includes a fluid outlet 148 that, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, faces into the direction or rotation R of wash basket 102 during operation of appliance 100—particularly during a cycle that involves spinning basket 102 to wring or remove fluid from articles in basket 102. As best seen in FIG. 4, fluid outlet 148 of sump portion 134 is aligned substantially along a line T-T that is tangent to the outer surface 152 of wash basket 102. In this way, the rotation of wash basket 102 promotes a flow of fluid along the tangent line T-T so that fluid may flow directly through opening 136, into chamber 144, and into outlet 148.

Along with a substantial part of sump portion 134, outlet 148 is also offset or positioned away from a vertical centerline C/L of the appliance 100 as shown in FIG. 4. Outlet 148 is also located near a rear 170 of sump portion 134 so that gravity assists fluid in flowing away from front part 114 along front 168 towards rear 170 due to the angle a at which wash tub 106 is positioned relative to horizontal as depicted in FIG. 2.

As a result, during rotation of wash basket 102 in the direction of arrow R, particularly at high speeds such a during a spin cycle, fluid wrung from articles in basket 102 is caused to travel through opening 136 and into sump portion 134. More specifically, due to a velocity component added to the fluid by such rotation and that is substantially along or parallel to the tangential direction T-T, the fluid is urged substantially along line T-T by rotation R so as to cause flow into outlet 148. Thus, this tangential velocity component provides fluid into outlet 148 with more pressure and/or velocity than would be available under the force of gravity alone, which can assist pump 164. At the same time, the configuration and location of sump portion 134 and outlet 148 spares valuable space within cabinet 104 that may be used for other features or components.

Outlet 148 is connected by hose 160 to a filter 162 feeding pump 164. For this exemplary embodiment, pump 164 is a high-bypass type pump. As such, pump 164 operates more efficiently when fed with a fluid having more pressure and/or velocity than would be provided in appliance 100 by a gravity feed alone. However, other types of pumps may also be used with the invention. Cap 166 provides access to filter 162 for cleaning.

As stated above and best seen in FIG. 4, a dam 138 is positioned near the top 156 of sump portion 134 adjacent to wash basket 102 and opening 136. As fluid is forced into sump portion 134 by rotation R, dam 138 is oriented to as to deter fluid flow out of sump portion 134 and back into main portion 132 of wash tub 106. For this particular embodiment, dam 138 extends substantially along the transverse direction T at the acute angle a as best seen in FIGS. 2 and 5. Dam 138 can have an arcuate shape with a radius of curvature matching the outer surface 152 of wash basket 102. Other configurations such as e.g., linear may also be used as well.

One or more heating elements 158 are located in sump portion 134 as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6. Heating elements 158 are useful e.g., in heating fluid that may be recirculated back to wash tub 106 by pump 164. Under certain use, debris such as fibers or other materials from the articles being washed can accumulate on heating element 158—resulting in reduced heating efficiency and more drag on fluid flowing through sump portion 134. However, the additional velocity provided by the rotation R of wash basket 102 can help keep clean heating elements 158 of such debris. More particularly, heating elements 158 are positioned substantially between opening 136 to sump portion 134 and the fluid outlet 148. As such, heating elements 158 are directly in the path of fluid flow created by rotation R of wash basket 102 in that they are positioned substantially along line T-T in this exemplary embodiment. This positioning of heating elements 158 and shown provides a cleaning effect to the heating element that is not found in appliances with only gravity feed outlets.

FIG. 7 provides a partial perspective view of appliance 100. As shown, having side outlet 146 as opposed to e.g., vertically-centered conventional outlets can provide substantial space 174 below wash tub 106. This space can be used e.g., to provide additional features such as automatic fluid dispensers for detergent, fabric softeners, etc. as well as other components that may be desirable to the user. Additionally, such additional space 174 can be provided without necessary reducing the capacity of wash tub 106.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. cm What is claimed is: 

1. A washing machine appliance, comprising: a cylindrically-shaped wash basket configured for the receipt of articles for cleaning, the wash basket having an outer surface; a wash tub comprising a cylindrically-shaped main portion into which the wash basket is rotatably received, and a sump portion positioned adjacent to the cylindrically-shaped main portion, the sump portion in fluid communication with the main portion through an opening to the sump portion, the opening positioned between the sump portion and the main portion, the sump portion located near a bottom of the main portion and defining a chamber for the receipt of fluid from the main portion through the opening, the sump portion having an outlet facing into the direction of rotation of the wash basket along a line tangent to the outer surface of the wash basket.
 2. A washing machine appliance as in claim 1, wherein the wash tub defines a vertical centerline, and wherein the outlet is positioned away from the vertical centerline of the wash tub.
 3. A washing machine appliance as in claim 1, further comprising: a dam separating the main portion and the sump portion and positioned adjacent to the opening and the wash basket, the dam configured to deter fluid flow out of the sump portion.
 4. A washing machine appliance as in claim 3, wherein a distal end of the dam and an outer wall of the wash basket define the opening.
 5. A washing machine appliance as in claim 1, wherein the wash tub comprises a front part and a rear part that join to form the main portion and the sump portion.
 6. A washing machine appliance as in claim 1, wherein the outlet is aligned so that the rotation of the wash drum creates a flow of the fluid travelling through the opening, into the chamber, and into the outlet.
 7. A washing machine appliance as in claim 1, further comprising a dam separating the main portion and the sump portion and positioned adjacent to the opening and the wash basket, the dam configured to deter fluid flow out of the sump portion; wherein the appliance defines a transverse direction that is orthogonal to a vertical direction, and wherein the dam extends along substantially at an acute angle a from the transverse direction.
 8. A washing machine appliance as in claim 1, further comprising a heating element positioned in the sump portion.
 9. A washing machine appliance as in claim 8, wherein the heating element is positioned substantially between the opening to the sump portion and the outlet for the sump portion.
 10. A washing machine appliance as in claim 1, wherein the sump portion and the main portion are integrally formed.
 11. A washing machine appliance as in claim 1, wherein the sump portion is offset from a vertical centerline of the wash tub.
 12. A washing machine appliance defining vertical, lateral, and transverse directions that are orthogonal to each other, the washing machine appliance comprising: a wash basket configured for rotational movement, the wash basket comprising a cylindrically-shaped drum having an outer surface, the drum configured for the receipt of articles for cleaning; a wash tub into which the wash basket is rotatably received, the wash tub defining an outer cylindrically-shaped wall having an opening for the egress of fluid from the wash tub; and a sump positioned at the opening of the wash tub, the sump defining a chamber for the receipt of fluid from the wash tub, the sump having an outlet for the egress of fluid from the sump, the outlet facing the wash basket and positioned along a tangent to the outer surface of the wash basket.
 13. A washing machine appliance as in claim 12, wherein the wash basket defines an axis of rotation about which the wash basket is configured for rotation, and wherein the axis of rotation is at a non-zero, acute angle from the transverse direction.
 14. A washing machine appliance as in claim 13, wherein the sump defines a front and a rear, and wherein the outlet of the sump is located at the rear portion to facilitate the removal of fluid from the sump.
 15. A washing machine appliance as in claim 12, wherein the wash tub defines a vertical centerline, and wherein the outlet is positioned away from the vertical centerline of the wash tub.
 16. A washing machine appliance as in claim 12, further comprising: a dam separating the main portion and the sump portion and positioned adjacent to the opening, the dam configured to deter fluid flow out of the sump portion.
 17. A washing machine appliance as in claim 16, wherein a distal end of the dam and the main portion define the opening.
 18. A washing machine appliance as in claim 1, wherein the wash tub comprises a front part and a rear part that join to the sump.
 19. A washing machine appliance as in claim 1, wherein the outlet is aligned so that the rotation of the wash drum creates a flow of the fluid travelling through the opening, into the chamber, and into the outlet.
 20. A washing machine appliance as in claim 1, further comprising a heating element positioned in the sump, wherein the heating element is positioned substantially between the opening to the sump and the outlet for the sump. 